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Subscribe to RSSGov. Rick Perry's campaign refused Tuesday to formally distance itself from a Texas pastor's criticism of Mormonism, calling rival presidential candidate Mitt Romney's demand that Perry "repudiate" the pastor a distraction.
Perry spokesman Ray Sullivan tells NBC News that Romney's call for Perry to repudiate the controversial pastor who called Mormonism a "cult" is merely an attempt to "change the subject."
Sullivan's comments Tuesday afternoon come in response to a demand made by Romney during a press conference to announce that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had endorsed Romney for president.
"I just don't believe that that kind of divisiveness upon religion has a place in this country," Romney said of the comments by Dr. Robert Jeffress, the head of the 10,000-member First Baptist Church of Dallas. "I would call on Gov. Perry to repudiate the sentiment and the remarks made by that pastor."
Perry's campaign responded in a statement by challenging Romney to "repudiate government-mandated health care as crafted in Romneycare," the health care law Romney had authorized as governor. The email sets the stage for a showdown between the two Republican heavyweights at tonight's presidential debate.
Sullivan argued that Romney's public call for Perry to disavow Jeffress is "is an attempt for Gov. Romney to change the subject" away from issues like his support for the 2006 Massachusetts health care plan that served as a framework for the Obama administration's new health law.
"The governor has publicly disagreed with [Robert Jeffress's] characterization," he said. "We have no control over who endorses, supports, or votes for the governor."
Sullivan added that the Perry campaign has not been in contact with Jeffress and has not advised the outspoken pastor about his media omnipresence since calling Mormonism a cult on Friday. "We have had no contact with the pastor and he speaks for himself."
Asked about NJ Gov Chris Christie's endorsement of Romney today, Sullivan referred NBC to a paper statement released by the campaign and said that Perry has great respect for the Nj gov.
He added that the onetime potential presidential candidate's backing of Romney will be worth "a news cycle worth of boost" but that voters will ultimately decide the election on the issues.
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Not that I care, but Perry has lost touch with middle America.
Bye bye, Dickie!
How can he distance himself? The guy owns Perry!
This is getting good!
Next Perry will ask for Romney's birth certificate.
There is NO religious test to be President of the United States (emphasis MINE):
But I guess some people really don't bother to read the Constitution in their zeal to claim to uphold it. I can't wait for the day that a TRUE Non-Christian runs for President and is elected. Religion has NOTHING to do with the job of POTUS and the Constitution BARS any religious test as a prerequisite of holding the office.
So now a repub has his own "reverend wright" to deal with .I wonder if the contards will see the simularites?
they won't...republicans and double standard...it is their mantra
The question that most people keep asking themselves is" If a candidate is a Christian, is he a better candidate than a non christian?" But, does anyone's religion even matter? Or, is a candidate that supports his religious ideology even safe to be a leader of our country? Religion is not a part of the qualification process and our forefathers warned us of the dangers of allowing religion into our governing process. It is used conveniently by those that need approval from sources not from within. And, that my friends can be a deadly formula for governance.
Explain why you would vote for someone who believes that the government should not pay for YOUR healthcare, but believes it is his god given right to have the government pay for HIS....
Very good point! It is about time someone paid attention! Now, as a follow up........which party has introduced and voted for time after time Congressional perks?
Be specific.
all religions are cults duh
I remember the hatred and fear when Kennedy ran for president. His Catholic faith had no bearing on his running the country. Mr. Romney's faith should not be in question. I find it ironic that a pastor would use his "pulpit" voice to malign a fellow Christian. Thus is the true faith of these rightist bigots....they hide behind the evangelical mantel to spew hatred and prejudice. What would Jesus say? He would say that Mitt was just as much a "son" as the pastor.
SO now Romney feels how Obama was treated...
These far right wing, extremist, fanatical, Christian evangelicals are running off intelligent members of the Republican Party. Many intelligent, rational Republican voters have already left the Party as they continue to watch long time conservative members such as Richard Lugar, one of the most respected foreign policy experts in the U.S. Senate, being targeted for defeat by the Indiana TEA Party. The Republican rank and file is becoming more and more a southern regional, evangelical, political party of far right wing, extremist, religious fanatics. God help the Republic and the entire planet, if the most powerful nation in the history of the world should be ruled by such people.
I am not suprised that Rick Perry refused to distance himself from Dr. Jeffres. I guess that he does not understand that we have freedom of religion in this country. I don't even want to think about Rick Perry being president. I think that I would move to Canada if that happened. At least I would be able to get health care with my pre-existing condition just like all of the "politicians" that are in office.
I'm a full fledged big government lovin', gay marriage supportin', free-abortions-for everyone, pry-the-guns- outta-your-warm-living-hands, godless kind of liberal, but I still know this is nonsense. Nowhere have I read that Perry endorsed the statement, nor that he attends this pastor's church. Just more election year mud slinging. BTW, ALL religions are cults, so the pastor is at least partially right.
I have been a member for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints my whole life. Yes...a Mormon. I have always believed in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, our Redeemer! I believe he suffered in Gethsemane for our sins so that we may return and live with our Heavenly Father. I believe that he was also crucified and died a very painful death. I believe that he was also resurrected for all mankind to enjoy this blessing. I look forward to the day I can be with God and my Savior after this life. What on earth makes you feel you have to attack my religion, my beliefs and what I stand for? I am grateful that I live in this great land of America that I may worship as I may. I guess that gives you the right to do bash others beliefs. I also believe that a true Christian would NOT bash others beliefs, belittle them etc. by using your pulpit as a sounding board to make others look bad for your own gain. I feel sorry for you because if you were a true believing Christian you would be more Christ like. I believe Christ would not cast the first stone but one who loves us for who we are, Mormon or not. If the world was more Christ like and turned the other cheek it would a much better place to live. I do not bash other religions because it quite frankly is not the Christ like thing to do. Yes, we have differences in what we believe but that is why I live in America so that I am able to do so. I love my religion. I love Christ. Please try and practice what it is you preach. A good rule of thumb is to try and not mix religion with politics it is like mixing oil and water. I forgive you for bashing our religion.
Good on you! Now tell that part about politics and religion not mixing to your fellow LDS members who supported Prop 8 in California. Then I'll believe the veracity of your statement.
Dennis: Thank you for your comments. Keep writing to those who know no more about your faith than their own. Good luck with it all.
Good on you Dennis. As mentioned, I'm an atheist (not currently practicing), but from what I remember of my Christian upbringing, I think you got the message about right. Also, I've worked with many Mormons during my career, and have found them to be the most delightful people, and typically more open minded than those from some of the other sects (excuse me, denominations). But, they don't know a thing about making a good cup of coffee.
Here IS a perfect example of why they aren't Christian in the truest sense. They DON'T believe Christ paid for our sins on the cross. He paid them in Gethsemane. Ask any Christian where Christ paid for mankind's sins. Universally you will be told on the cross at calvary. If you want to learn MORE of what the LDS church wants to spin as the truth but are treacherous lies go to: www. hotm.TV tonight at 8 PM on the internet and watch for yourself. I guarantee that you walk away pissed at Romney for being such a two-faced liar. Just like you you always charge us with hate when we reveal the true facts about your church and spin it as hate. Well... people who watch this program tonight are going to learn firsthand what you really do teach in your church and NOT what you try to spin for the public consumption.
Then why are we praying for Gods Kingdom to come. And as the tent of God comes down to earth to reside with mankind and the resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous occurs and as stated at Revelation 21:4 God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning or outcry or pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. The meek shall inherit the earth. If all of us are either headed back to be with God or to hell for eternal torture, then to what or whom do these scriptures apply? Just asking.
Hate to break the news to these GOP candidates but if they stopped running around trying to out-religion each other; if they stopped catering to the Values Voters crowd and the evangelical crowd, no one would be asking these questions. Religion should not be the primary focus of any candidate. Yet the GOP has consistently run closer and closer to the crowd that wants God in the White House--only God could not care less who sits in the Oval Office.
IT doesn't matter -- typical Texan -- However IT IS ON Everyone's Mind!
What to do -- can Romney win Only to Loose?
I can't tell the difference between one type of " Christianity ' and the next. They all seem pretty effed up to me. I prefer the teachings of ' Winnie The Pooh '. At least it makes sense, and doesn't condone the death and destruction of those who don't believe the exact same superstitious clap-trap.
All that being said, I find it amusing that the GOP/TP defends the very thing they brutalized Obama for. Typical, I guess. Of course the Dems would do the same.
Any person who follows in the teachings of Christ is by definition a Christian. Within the Christian faith there are many branches. Within the Jewish faith there are many branches, etc. Historically each of the different branches of religious orders look down their noses at other branches. Religion should not be an issue in choosing a president, ability should be the primary target. Do Perry's actions surprise me, no way.
Now Carrie Dann, That's just a flat out lie. Perry has said he doesn't agree with what Jeffress had to say. What do you want him to do? Fellate Obama? Not going to happen.....give it up.
Nothing new from the liberal media....more deflection on the failed policies of the Big O. It's past the pathetic status.....have you no self respect?
In other news (my personal favorite)...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/11/congressional-investigators-to-subpoena-holder-in-fast-and-furious-probe/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5I5Z0deBsM&feature=youtu.be
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/10/obama-jobs-council-stacked-with-democratic-donors/
http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/yeas-nays/2011/10/paula-dean-michelle-obama-likes-fried-food-too
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=46761
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/10/pelosis-disclosure-belated-in-husbands-land-deal/
Many, many, many, many many, many more examples of the corruption and incompetence that is the signature of the Big O administration and the kooks who are demonstrative of the party of the poverty pimps AKA known as the Democrats. You suck!
Oh my, you are looking over your shoulder now! Yep, next November when the time comes, the American people are going to look at the ballot and say to themselves " Not those fools again, we gave them a chance to straighten things out in 2010 and all they could do was call everyone potty names and say no."
Right. Keep on dreaming. No? When reality smacks you in the face and the Big O is gone.......do you promise to leave the country? Maybe go to Cuba?
Seriously.....we can do with a lot less f'ing idiots. Take a hike.
If I thought for one second that getting rid of Obama and electing a Republican President would magically turn around a failing economy I would be the first to vote accordingly. Unfortunately I am not convinced.
Calling Obama a Nazi, Communist, Socialist, secret Muslim isn't enough to instill confidence that the Republicans actually have a plan to make the above happen.
Pastor Jeffress also says that the Catholic church is run by Satan:
So? I bet you never heard of Jeffress before 10/7/2011. WITF is his opinion so important now?
Jeffress' opinion isn't important - what's important is that both he and Perry are Christian Dominionists, and that neither believe in a separation of church and state. Anyone who thinks that Christian sharia law would be a bad idea should be concerned about a Perry candidacy.
Mormons and Catholics should be concerned in particular.
My religion is more genuine than yours, nah nah na na nah...
You said I belonged to a cult, I'm telling on you to the newspapers!!
Nah, he said that, not me, and I'm not going to say anything about your pseudochristianity.
Well, I demand an apology, and I think your religion is a pseudo-creek-roman fairy tale...
Well, at least I'm not a zionist gold-worshiper!!!
I'm tellin' on you again!!
Waaaaa Waaaaaaaaa (((
This is a little off the subject, but Joe the Plumber is filing papers to run for congress! Big Whoop! "Here he comes to save the day" just like Mighty Mouse. WOW!
The "Accidental Politician". A twig off the "Palin" political tree.
You know the story....Apple...Tree! Quitter!
Rick Perry is just another Bush, and this time he comes with his own Reverend Wright.
At least Perry makes the decision easy. Vote for either Romney or Cain.
just on the news ,wall st has given more money to obama then to anyone else in the past 20 years! well at least we know where wall st got the money!` all these people are the same! ALL OF THEM!